James Penrod age 54 of Nashua, IA died Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Unity Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo.
A private family celebration will take place at a later date.
Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua has been entrusted with arrangements.
Born on April 23, 1970, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Stephen “Al” and Sharon (Stevenson) Penrod, Nick’s warm spirit and loving nature were evident from a young age. Nick spent his formative years in Melcher/Dallas, where he attended local schools and cultivated a passion for hands-on learning. His love for mechanics and attention to detail soon led him to a fulfilling career as a welder and auto mechanic. Nick’s expertise and dedication to his craft earned him respect and admiration in the workplace, and his willingness to lend a helping hand made him a cherished member of his professional community.
Outside of work, Nick’s interests were as robust and vibrant as his personality. A talented artist, he found joy in drawing and channeled his creativity into restoring antique cars—a hobby that married his love for history with his mechanical prowess. His garage was a sanctuary, a place where he could lose himself in the intricacies of engines and the beauty of design.
Nick’s greatest joy, however, was being a father. His children were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent guiding and nurturing them. His legacy of love and selflessness is reflected in the kind-hearted individuals they have become. Whether he was teaching them the value of hard work or simply enjoying quiet moments together, Nick’s calm and collected demeanor provided a steady presence that his family could always rely on.
An avid nature lover, Nick found solace in the simple pleasure of sitting outside and watching the birds. His kind heart extended to all living creatures, and he often remarked on the serenity that accompanied these periods of reflection. It was not uncommon to find Nick in his favorite leather jacket, a constant companion through the years, enjoying the tranquility of his backyard.
Nick’s affinity for classic cars was more than just a pastime; it was a thread that wove through the tapestry of his life. He took great pride in breathing new life into old cars, restoring them to their former glory. His work was a testament to his patience and his belief that with enough care and effort, the past could be preserved for future generations to appreciate.
Those who had the pleasure of knowing Nick will remember him as a loving, generous, and selfless man. His impact on the world was as profound as it was understated, and his memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and compassion. His gentle spirit and unwavering integrity were the hallmarks of his character, and they will remain a guiding light for all who were privileged to be a part of his life.
James is survived by his sons: Raven Brown of Florida and Dwight Penrod of Oklahoma; daughters: Donna Ann Overton of Missouri and Leilani Penrod of Oklahoma; brothers: Donny (Hazel) Smith of Davenport, Stephen (Marie) Penrod of Nashua, John (Bev) Penrod of Floyd, and Kenny Thompson of Florida; sisters: Cindy Ann (Chuck) Krolick of Webster City, Laura Simpkins of Greene, Joyce (Kenny) Thompson-Stracke of Bagley; grandchildren: Kaleb and Kameron; nephews: Chris Cortez, Honovi Simpkins, Casey Simpkins, John Penrod, and Lucas Rankin; nieces: Stephanie Reinhardt, Shahara Dowd, Taarna Johnson, Katelyn Simpkins, and Jessica Penrod.
He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Sharon (Stevenson) Penrod; brother Dwight Montgomery; nephew Arthur Penrod; grandmother Gladys Stevenson; uncle Robert Stevenson; and nephew Taylor Penrod.
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